And here it comes. 2017 has arrived, and we are looking forward to it with endless fascination, hope,
and crossed fingers.One wonderfully good thing--we have two new Reds! Look at our swell new masthead!
We are so lucky to welcome amazing authors and friends Jenn McKinlay and Ingrid Thoft. And you will hear all about them tomorrow.
But for now, let's send out New Years good will out into the world--what do you all wish for in 2017?
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Isn't it fascinating how difficult a question that is? On a micro level, I can answer easily. My new book, still untitled and more to come, is due on Tuesday! AH! And I am hoping, smiling now, that I can figure out the ending. On a macro level, it feels like there is such a momentous time ahead. I wish for sanity, and love and peace and thoughtful understanding. And patience and bravery.
LUCY BURDETTE: I love your list Hank, sanity, love, peace, patience, bravery--and I'll add the wisdom to take stands when they are needed. Less important on a personal level, I wrote to Santa and asked for three book contracts in 2017. I'm hoping he comes through!
JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: With The Sailor transitioning from A school to his first real-live duty station on the USS Gonzales, my greatest hope for 2017 is peace, abroad and at home. I hope The
Smithie will find happiness and a career-starting library job. I hope I don't strangle The Youngest before she turns seventeen (mothers of teen daughters will know what I'm talking about.)I hope people of good will find a way to band together and make a better America, one that meets the needs of all our neighbors without appealing to hatred and division.
And, perennially, I hope the Red Sox win the 2017 World Series. Spring training is only 45 days away...
DEBORAH CROMBIE: Julia, yes, baseball! Can we get the Texas Rangers into the playoffs, at least? Otherwise, I am seconding everyone else's lists, especially Hank's
"sanity, love, peace, patience, and bravery." And adding that I hope people will take the time to talk to each other, and to talk to people they don't know, with interest and empathy.HALLIE EPHRON: Can I please have time slow down. Just SLOW DOWN please so I can savor my grandchildren. Julia, I so share your wish that we can all be our best selves and make unselfish decisions. It would be nice if longer skirts and flat heels would be in the ascendance. Hey, plaid flannel shirts came back, so why not?
And hoping for a fortuitous book launch for YOU'LL NEVER KNOW DEAR, & can I please finish the book I just started?
RHYS BOWEN: All of the above, except teams other than the Giants getting into the playoffs. Especially TIME, Hallie. I am so conscious of the great clock ticking and wondering how much time I have with John, with older friends.... how much time I have, period. How long will I keep writing? How long will I be able to travel?I'm going to try and be calm in the New Year. Not freak out about my darkest fears with the new administration and the precarious state of the world. I'm telling myself that John has an Irish passport. If the worst comes, we'll move to Ireland and live in a cottage. So I wish for sanity and reason and kindness and tolerance throughout the world.
And I also wish that our two new Reds have a lovely time with us and make lots of new friends and fans.
JUNGLE REDS: What are your hopes and wishes for the 2017? (And how long will it take us all to get used to writing 2017?)
